Funding plan for a Golden Gate Bridge suicide barrier inching forward

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden Gate Bridge board could see a funding package for a suicide barrier as soon as May, bridge officials said Friday.

But exactly who will pay for what portion of the $66 million net system is not known right now.

"We are working hard on a deal," said Denis Mulligan, bridge general manager. "Hopefully within the next couple of months we will bring a deal to the board. It does seem optimistic. Things are happening."

The bridge district is in the process of applying to the state for highway funds as part of its bridge program to help fund the barrier, Mulligan said.

Bridge, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and state officials have been in intensive discussions over the past several weeks trying to put together a deal.

"It's a three-way deal with bridge district funds, state funds and what we bring," said commission official Randy Rentschler. "But just because it's one-third, one-third, one-third doesn't mean the funding will be equal. But that's not to say it won't be. It's being worked on and there is progress."

The commission — the Bay Area's transportation planning agency — is a key player because it has access to federal funds to provide to the project. Backers of a suicide barrier got a boost in July 2012 when President Obama signed a transportation bill that included language allowing federal funds to flow to the project.

It all likelihood the Golden Gate Bridge board will have to make a decision on its current policy not to spend toll dollars on the suicide barrier. In approving a toll hike late last month, several board members went on record saying the district needs to look at ways to use toll money to help fund a suicide barrier on the span.

Bridge board member and Marin County Supervisor Judy Arnold said she is prepared to vote on some toll dollars to the project.

"I think this board is ready to make that decision," she said. "It would be hard for me not to support that."